An Enhanced Youth Refuge Response initiative based on multi disciplinary intervention, BOOST responds to the immediate situation and needs of the young person or young family. The program is designed for young people with multiple needs who are disconnected from their community, allied support and mainstream services and are floating in and out of the homelessness service system.

The program also responds to young people who are at risk of entering into homelessness and works with the young person and family to prevent this from occurring.

What does the program offer?

BOOST utilises an intensive case management practice framework and a multidisciplinary team approach in delivering services to young people experiencing homelessness including:

5-night stay bed (when available)

housing support

linkages into the community

role modelling and mentoring

referral pathways

living skills

budgeting assistance

advice and information

How can young people enter this program?

Young people must be:

16 - 25 years of age—young people who are pregnant and/or parenting are a core part of the target group

linked to the North and North-West Metropolitan region of Melbourne

homeless or at risk of being homeless and in crisis

Please contact your nearest access point(s) listed on this page to find out more about entering this program.

OUTCOMES SUMMARY

In the 2015-16 period, the program provided 174 episodes of support:

39 young people and their families were assisted on more than one occasion

80% of young people referred to the program are predominantly aged 19 years or older with many living in overcrowded unsustainable arrangements

a large percentage of young people born overseas account for almost 50% of all new assisted support episodes

The primary exit outcomes for young people engaged in BOOST's community case management services included:

21 were reunited or assisted to remain connected to their families

21 were supported to sustain their living arrangements with partners and friends

18 successfully obtained Transitional Housing

14 young people were supported to secure private rental housing

10 young people and their families secured public housing

7 received ongoing support from Hope Street’s crisis residential service

7 were successfully referred into another crisis accommodation program

Learn more about young people's achievements from our program report below.